Feeding device for invalids



May 2, 1967 J. 1.. CAUSEY FEEDING DEVICE FOR INVALIDS 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 19, 1965 INVENTOR:

22v 1... CAUSEY BYWMJ%(IM+%AMJL ATTORNEYS May 2, 1967 J. L. CAUSEY FEEDING DEVICE FOR INVALIDS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 19, 1965 INVENTOR! JERRY L. CAusE-v ATTORNEYS y 2, 1967 J. L. CAUSEY FEEDING DEVICE FOR INVALTDS 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 19, 1965 'INVENTOR. JERRY L. QAusEY Bywiaflww QL ATTORNEYS United States Patent f 3,317,061 FEEDING DEVICE FOR INVALIDS Jerry L. Causey, Rte. 1, Grifton, NC. 28530 Filed Aug. 19, 1965, Ser. No. 480,957 7 Claims. (Ci. 214-1) This invention relates to a feeding device for invalids, and more particularly, to a mechanical feeding device operable under the control of an invalid to permit an invalid to feed himself.

Heretofore, the feeding of an invalid who has lost effective use of his arms and/ or hands has been accomplished by the manual feeding of such an invalid by another person which has presented extensive problems in the care of such invalids. These problems are manifested in the increased number of personnel required to care for such an invalid, and in the psychological effect of such manual feeding upon the invalid. It has been frequently noted that the more independent and invalid may be, by being able to satisfy his own needs rather than relying upon attendants, the better the psychological health of the invalid and, therefore, the better the opportunity for recovery.

While the favorable psychological effects of increased independence for an invalid have been recognized and many devices have been provided for permitting an invalid to perform other functions for himself, no satisfactory means has previously been proposed for enabling an invalid, who has lost the use of his arms and/ or hands, to feed himself.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a feeding device for invalids which will permit an invalid, otherwise incapable of doing so, to feed himself.

A further, and more specific object of this invention is to provide a device for containing food portions and having means for removing food portions and transporting them into the mouth of an invalid.

A further specific object of this invention is to provide a device for containing food portions and transporting the same into an invalids mouth which is operable under the control of the invalid to permit the invalid to feed himself.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated,other objects will appear as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the device of this invention as arranged for use by an invalid;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG- URE 1 partly broken away, and illustrating one step in the sequential operation of the device;

FIGURE 3 is a View similar to FIGURE 2, illustrating another step in the sequential operation of the device;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the device of FIGURE 1, illustrating a further step in the sequential operation of the device;

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURE 4, illustrating a still further step in the sequential operation of the device;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged side view, in section, of a portion of the device of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view through the device of FIGURE 6, taken substantially along the line 7-7 in FIGURE 6; I

FIGURE 8 is a side view, in section, of the food removing and transporting means of the device of FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 9 is an end view of the means illustrated in FIGURE 8, taken as indicated by the arrow 9 in FIG- URE 8; and

3,317,%1 Patented May 2, 1967 FIGURE 10 is a top plan view of the means shown in FIGURE 8, taken as indicated by the arrow 10 in FIG- URE 8.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, a feeding device, indicated generally at 10, is shown as positioned for use by a bed-ridden invalid 11. Preferably, the feeding device 10 is supported by a suitable stand 12, to overlie the bed 13 upon which the invalid 11 reposes, and to be positioned adjacent the invalids head when the invalid is raised to a semi-reclining or sitting position (FIGURE 1).

In accordance with the present invention, the feeding device 10 comprises a tray means for containing a plurality of food portions. The tray means includes a tray member 14 (FIGURES 1 and 2), which has a plurality of peripheral circumferentially arranged compartments 15, opening radially outwardly and being adapted to contain a plurality of individual food portions P. The tray member 14 may be constructed in any suitable manner, but preferably is formed by molding or stamping a plastic or metal material which may be readily sterilized in order to permit maintenance of required cleanliness. The tray member 14 is preferably removably secured to a tray shaft 16, for rotation therewith about a generally vertical axis relative to the case or main frame 17 of the feeding device It), in which the tray shaft 16 is supported (FIG- URE 6).

In order to drive the tray shaft 16 and the tray member 14 in rotation, a motor 20 is mounted within the main frame 17 of the feeding device 10, and connected to the tray shaft 16 through a suitable gear train and drive arrangement (FIGURE 6). More particularly, the motor 21 through a suitable right angle reduction gear drive unit 21, drives in rotation a horizontal first shaft 22, which carries the driving element of a suitable clutch mechanism, indicated generally at 23. The driven element of the clutch mechanism 23 is fixed to a horizontal second shaft 24, carrying a pinion gear 25 which meshes with a suitable right angle or face gear 26 secured to the tray shaft 16. Thus, while the motor 20 is continuously operating, actuation of the clutch mechanism 23 to couple the first and second shafts 22 and 24 will complete the driving connection from the motor 20 to the tray 14 and cause the tray to be driven in rotation.

In order to remove food portions from the tray member 14, transport the same to a position adjacent the mouth of the invalid 11, and deposit the food portion into the mouth of the invalid the feeding device 10 includes suitable means including a spoon member and an ejector member for removing a food portion therefrom. More particularly, the means, indicated generally at 30, includes a spoon member 31 which is adapted to enter into a compartment 15 of the tray 14, remove an individual food portion P therefrom, and contain that food portion during transportation to a position adjacent the mouth of the invalid 11, for deposit into the mouth of the invalid.

The spoon member 31, preferably made from a material such as stainless steel in the interest of maintaining cleanliness of the feeding device It), is supported in a carrying block 32, which in turn is supported for lateral movement by sliding along a first crank member 33. The first crank member 33 is fixed to a vertical first crank shaft 34, supported for rotation in the frame 17 of the feeding device 10. By a suitable drive train and gear arrangement, the first crank shaft 34 may be operatively connected to the motor 20, to be driven thereby in rotation.

More particularly, the motor 20, through the right angle gear drive unit 21, is drivingly connected to a pinion gear 35, meshing with a second pinion gear 36. The

a second pinion gear 36 is secured to a horizontal third shaft 37, to drive the same in rotation, and that shaft 37 carries the driving element ofa suitable clutch mechanism indicated gnefalliy at 4t). The driven element of the clutch mechanism 40 is secured to a horizontal fourth shaft 41, and to a pinion gear 42 which meshes with a suitable right angle or face gear 43 secured to the first crank shaft 34. Thus, upon coupling of the clutch mechanism 40, the motor 20 is operatively connected to the first crank shaft 34, and will rotate the first crank 33 about the vertical axis defined by the shaft 34. The first crank member 33 may accordingly be moved between positions directed toward the tray member 14 and positions remote and directed away from the tray member 14, as toward the mouth of the invalid 11 (FIGURE 3).

In order to provide for translation of the spoon member 31 along the first crank member 33' to enter a compartment 15 of the tray member 14 and remove therefrom food portions for feeding, and in order to provide for depositing the food portion P into the mouth of the invalid 11, the means 30 includes an ejector member 44 and associated drive linkages and mechanisms. More particularly, the ejector member 44 is supported on the spoon member 31, for translation relative thereto, so as to engage an individual food portion P contained on the spoon member 31 and deposit the same into the mouth of the invalid 11 when the first crank member 33 is positioned remote from the tray member 14 (FIGURES 4 and The linkage and drive mechanism is effective to translate the ejector member 44 relative to the spoon member 31, when so positioned, and to translate the spoon member 31 along the first crank member 33 when the first crank member is positioned adjacent the tray member 14 (FIGURE 2), so as to cause the spoon member 31 to enter into a compartment 15, move beneath an individual food portion P, and retract from the compartment to remove the individual food portion P therefrom.

More particularly, the mechanism controlling the translation of the spoon member 31 and ejector member 44 includes a second crank member 45 which is secured to a second crank shaft 46 for rotation therewith, with the shaft 46 journaled for rotation about a vertical axis in the frame 17 of the feeding device 10.

In order to drive the second crank member 45 in rotation when required in the operation of the feeding device 10, the second crank shaft 46 may be operatively connected to the motor by a suitable gear train and drive arrangement (FIGURE 6). More particularly, the motor 20, through the right angle gear drive unit 21 and pinion gear 35, drives a suitable gear 47 which is fixed to and drives a horizontal fifth shaft 50. That horizontal shaft 50 carries the driving element of a suitable clutch mechanism, indicated generally at 51, and the driven element of the clutch assembly 51 is secured in driving relation to a horizontal sixth shaft 52. The latter shaft 52 carries a suitable pinion gear 53: which is in meshing relation with a suitable right angle or face gear 54 secured to the second shaft 46. Therefore, upon coupling of the clutch mechanism 51, the second crank shaft 46 and the second crank 45 secured thereto are driven in rotation by the motor 20.

The outer end of the second crank member 45, remote from the connection to the second crank shaft 46, has a vertically extending opening or bore therethrough. A link member 55 operatively connects the second crank member 45 and the ejector member 44 or spoon member 41, to translate the same upon rotation of the second crank member 45. More particularly, the link member 55 carries a vertically depending pin 56 passing through the bore or opening in the second crank member 45, and vertically movable with respect to the second crank member 45. The opposite end of the link member 55 carries a vertically depending pin 57 which enters into a slot 60 formed in the ejector member 44.

The vertical position of the pin 56, and thus of the end of the link member 55 operatively connectedto the second crank member 45, is controlled by a cam follow} er member 61, pivotally connected to the first crank member 33 by a horizontally extending pin 62, and mov able upwardly upon engagement with a cam surface 63 formed in the upper surface of the frame 17 of the feeding device 16. Upon positioning of the first crank merriber 33 to be directed toward the tray 14, the cam follower 61, not resting upon the cam surface 63, is in a lowefed position (FIGURE 6). Therefore, upon rotation of the second crank member 45 to translate the link member-55, a depending latch projection 64 on the lower surface thereof engages the carrier block 32 so as to cause the spoon member 31 to be translated along the first crank member 33 and be projected into an aligned compartment 15 of the tray means 14 (FIGURE 2). Upon continued rotation of the second crank member 45, the link member 55 is translated in the reverse direction (to the right in FIGURE 2) and, by the engagement of the pin 57 and the ejector 44 with the forward side surface of the carrier block 32, the spoon member 31 is retracted to draw the individual food portion P from the tray member 14.

Upon positioning of the first crank member 33 in a position remote from the tray member 14, and directed toward the mouth of the invalid 11, the cam follower 61 is raised by the cam surface 63, to lift the vertical pin 56 and thereby raise the link member 55 (FIGURES 8 and 9). The degree to which the link member 55 is raised is correlated to the height of the latch projection 64, so as to cause the latch projection 64 to clear block 32 upon translation of the link member 55. Therefore, upon rotation of the second crank member 45, and translation of the link member 55, the latch projection 64 clears the carrier block 32, and, by virtue of the engagement of the pin 57 with the forward portion of the slot 60, the ejector member 44 is translated relative to the spoon member 31 to deposit the food portion P carried thereon into the mouth of the invalid 11 (FIGURES 4 and 5 In order to permit the invalid 11 to use the feeding device 10 to feed himself, in realization of the present subject invention, control means are provided which are operable by the invalid to cause the sequential operation of removing an individual food portion P from the tray means 14, transporting the food portion to a position remote from the tray member 14 and adjacent the mouth of the invalid 11, and depositing the food portion into the invalids mouth. More particularly, as here illustrated, a plurality of solenoid devices 65, 66, 67, are provided to control the coupling of the plurality of clutch mechanisms 23, 4t) and 51 (respectively). Each of the solenoid devices 65, 66, 67, is connected to a suitable switch device 70, 71, 72, (respectively), and is operated by closure of the associated switch device. The switch devices 70, 71, 72, are arranged to be operated by a portion of the body of the invalid 11 over which the invalid has suitable muscular control, such as the head. Upon closure of any given switch (for example, the first switch the associated solenoid device (here, solenoid 65) will be energized and cause coupling of the associated clutch mechanism (here, clutch 23).

In operation, the invalid will close switch 70 to cause indexing movement of the tray member 14 to present any desired compartment 15 for removal of a food portion P contained therein.

Thereafter, the invalid will close switch 72 controlling energization of solenoid 67 to couple clutch mechanism 51 and drive in rotation the second crank member 45. Upon rotation of the second crank member 45, the link member 55 is translated, and the depending latch projection 64 engages the sliding block 32 to carry the spoon member 31 into the compartment I15, beneath the food portion P, (FIGURE 2) and withdraw the spoon member 31 and the food portion P now contained therein from the compartment 15.

Thereafter, the invalid will close switch '71, energizing solenoid 66 and coupling the clutch mechanism 40, to drive the first crank member 33 in rotation (FIGURE 3). As the first crank member 33 rotates, the spoon member 31 and the contained food portion P are transported from a position adjacent the tray 14 to a position remote from the tray and adjacent the mouth of the invalid 11.

Upon proper positioning of the spoon member 31 adjacent the mouth of the invalid, the invalid will close switch 72, energizing solenoid 67 and coupling clutch mechanism 51 to drive in rotation the second crank member 45. Inasmuch as a cam follower 61 has, in this position of the first crank member 33, ridden upwardly onto the cam surface 63 so as to raise the depending pin 56 to cause the link member 55 to be raised to an extent such that the depending latch projection 64 clears the sliding block 32, the ejector member 44 is translated along the spoon member 31 by the movement of the link member 55. The food portion P is thus deposited into the mouth of the invalid 111 (FIGURES 4 and 5).

Thereafter, the invalid 11, by closing the switch 71, may cause an indexing movement of the first crank member 33 relative to the tray member 14, and thus begin the next subsequent cycle of removal, transportation, and depositing of an individual food portion P.

While operation of the feeding device 10, as illustrated and described above, requires that the invalid 11 close and maintain closed a selected one of three switch devices 7 t), 71, and 72 in order to cause indexing movement of the various elements on the feeding device 10, it is contemplated that the control system may incorporate suitable means to avoid the requirement that the invalid 11 maintain a switch closed until the operational step of the feeding device 10 controlled thereby has been completed. For instance, momentary actuation by the invalid 11 of any of the switch devices 7t), 7 1, 72, may operate a holding circuit, effective to maintain energization of the as sociated solenoid 65, 66, 6'7, until the element of the feeding device 10, controlled thereby, has reached a desired position. Such a holding circuit may be time determined, as maintaining energization of the related solenoid for a period of time equal to that required for the movement, or may be position related, as operated by cam surfaces upon the various shafts 16, 34, 46 from which the rotating elements of the feeding device 10 are driven.

Further, it is contemplated that the control system to be actuated by the invalid 1.1 may be reduced to a single switch, which, upon actuation, would energize a suitable composite holding circuit, either time responsive or position responsive, which would properly energize the solenoids 65, 66, 67, and thus provide for sequential operation of the various elements of the feeding device 10.

Yet another alternative for providing the required control over positioning of the elements of the feeding device 10, without requiring the careful attention of the invalid 11, would be the use of special clutch devices for the clutch mechanisms 23, 4'0, and 51. More particularly, with proper selection of the :gear train ratios, special clutches of the type which automatically disengage upon completion of a predetermined movement, such as single revolution clutches, could be used to uncouple the elements from the motor 10 at the appropriate positions.

In the drawings and specification there have been set forth preferred embodiments of the'invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.

I claim:

1. A feeding device for enabling an invalid to feed himself comprising:

tray means for containing a plurality of food portions,

means operatively associated with said tray means for sequentially removing a selected food portion therefrom and for transporting the same to a position remote from said tray means and adjacent an invalids mouth and for depositing the food portion into the invalids mouth, said tray means and removing, transporting and depositing means being relatively indexable to bring selected food portion and said removing, transporting and depositing means into sequential operative association,

actuating means operatively connected to said tray means and to said removing, transporting and depositing means for aifecting sequential movement of the same, and

control means operatively connected to said actuating means and operable by an invalid for controlling the relative indexing of the means and the removing, transporting and depositing of a food portion.

2. A feeding device according to claim 1 wherein said tray means has a plurality of compartments for containing the plurality of food portions.

3. A feeding device according to claim 1 wherein said removing, transporting and depositing means includes spoon means for removing a food portion from the tray means and transporting the same to the position remote from the tray means and adjacent the invalids mouth, and ejecting means operatively associated with said spoon means and operable in timed relation thereto for ejecting a food portion from the spoon means into the invalids mouth.

4. A feeding device for enabling an invalid to feed himself comprising:

tray means having a plurality of compartments for containing a plurality of food portions,

spoon means supported for movement relative to said tray means for sequentially removing a selected food portion from a selected compartment and for transporting the same to a position remote from said tray means and adjacent an invalids mouth,

said tray means and spoon means being relatively indexable to permit selection of a compartment from which a food portion is to be removed, ejecting means operatively associated with said spoon means and operable intimed relation thereto for ejecting a food portion from said spoon means into the invalids mouth when said spoon means occupies the position remote from said tray means, and

control means operatively associated with said tray means, spoon means, and ejecting means and operable by an invalid for controlling the removal, trans porting, and ejecting of a food portion.

5. A feeding device for enabling an invalid to feed himself comprising:

tray means having a plurality of compartments for containing a plurality of food portions,

spoon means supported for movement relative to said trary means for sequentially removing a selected food portion therefrom and for transporting the same to a position remote from said tray means and adjacent an invalids mouth,

ejecting means supported for movement relative to said spoon means when said spoon means is positioned adjacent an invalids mouth for ejecting a food portion from said spoon means and into an invalids mouth,

actuating means operatively connected to said tray means, spoon means, and ejecting means for effecting sequential indexing movement of the same to remove, transport, and eject a selected food portion, and

control means operatively connected to said actuating means and operable by an invalid for controlling operation of said actuating means.

himself comprising:

a circular tray having a plurality of compartments for containing a plurality of individual food portions and supported for indexing rotation about a vertical axis,

a spoon supported for lateral movement with respect to said tray for entering a selected compartment and removing therefrom the individual food portion retained therein and for indexing rotational movement about a vertical axis for transporting the individual food portion to a position remote from said tray and adjacent the invalids month,

an ejector supported for lateral movement with respect to said spoon while said spoon is positioned adjacent the invalids mouth for ejecting the individual food portion from said spoon and into the invalids mouth,

actuating means operatively connected to said tray, said spoon, and said ejector, for effecting sequential indexing movement of the same to select a compartment of said tray, remove an individual food portion therefrom, transport the same to a position adjacent the invalids mouth, and eject the same into the invalids mouth, and

control means positioned for operation by the invalid and operatively connected to said actuating means for controlling operation of the same to effect the sequential movement.

7. A feeding device for enabling an invalid to feed himself comprising:

a circular tray having a plurality of circumferentially arranged compartments for containing a plurality of individual food portions,

shaft means connected to said tray and supporting the same for indexing rotation in a horizontal position and about a vertical axis,

a first crank member supported for indexing rotation about a second vertical axis between a position directed toward said tray and a position directed toward an invalid,

a spoon member slidably mounted on said first crank member for movement therealong to enter a selected compartment of said tray and remove therefrom an individual food portion while said first crank member is positioned directed toward said tray and for movement therewith about said second vertical axis to transport the food portion to a position adjacent the invalids mouth,

a second crank member supported for indexing rotation about said second vertical axis independently of said first crank member,

an ejector member slidably mounted on said spoon member and operatively connected to said second crank member for translational movement relative to said first crank member upon rotation of said second crank member,

means for operatively coupling together said spoon and ejector members for movement together upon rotation of said second crank member while said first crank member is positioned directed toward said tray and for uncoupling said spoon and ejector members for individual and relative movement While said first crank member is otherwise positioned,

power means operatively connectable to said shaft means, said first crank member and said second crank member for selectively driving each of the same in rotation, and

control means positioned by operation by the invalid for operatively connecting said power means to said shaft means, said first and said second crank members to effect sequential operation of the same.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,333,209 3/1920 Maguire 2l41 1,542,569 6/1925 Mondi 2l4'1 3,228,536 1/1966 Gratz/er 214-1 GERALD M. FORLENZA, Primary Examiner.

MARVIN A. CHAMPION, Examiner.

R. G. SHERIDAN, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A FEEDING DEVICE FOR ENABLING AN INVALID TO FEED HIMSELF COMPRISING: TRAY MEANS FOR CONTAINING A PLURALITY OF FOOD PORTIONS, MEANS OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH SAID TRAY MEANS FOR SEQUENTIALLY REMOVING A SELECTED FOOD PORTION THEREFROM AND FOR TRANSPORTING THE SAME TO A POSITION REMOTE FROM SAID TRAY MEANS AND ADJACENT AN INVALID''S MOUTH AND FOR DEPOSITING THE FOOD PORTION INTO THE INVALID''S MOUTH, SAID TRAY MEANS AND REMOVING, TRANSPORTING AND DEPOSITING MEANS BEING RELATIVELY INDEXABLE TO BRING SELECTED FOOD PORTION AND SAID REMOVING, TRANSPORTING AND DEPOSITING MEANS INTO SEQUENTIAL OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, ACTUATING MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID TRAY MEANS AND TO SAID REMOVING, TRANSPORTING AND DEPOSITING MEANS FOR AFFECTING SEQUENTIAL MOVEMENT OF THE SAME, AND CONTROL MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID ACTUATING MEANS AND OPERABLE BY AN INVALID FOR CONTROLLING THE RELATIVE INDEXING OF THE MEANS AND THE REMOVING, TRANSPORTING AND DEPOSITING OF A FOOD PORTION. 